Influence of the effective microorganisms (EM) on performance, intestinal morphology and gene expression in the jejunal mucosa of pigs fed different diets

Uncovering Molecular Mechanisms of Feed Efficiency in Pigs Through Multi-Omics Analysis of the Jejunum

Feed efficiency (FE) is a crucial trait in pig production that influences both economic viability and environmental sustainability. The jejunum, an essential organ for nutrient absorption, plays a significant role in determining FE by affecting how pigs process and utilize feed. To explore the genetic and regulatory mechanisms behind FE, we conducted an integrative multi-omics study using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and ATAC sequencing (ATAC-seq) on pigs with high and low FE. By comparing gene expression and chromatin accessibility profiles in the jejunum, we identified key differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially accessible regions (DARs) associated with lipid metabolism and immune function, both of which are critical pathways for efficient growth. Notably, we identified transcription factors such as GATA4 and EHF and genes like SCARB1 and GRXCR1 that may play regulatory roles in FE. Our findings provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms governing FE in pigs, offering potential targets for genetic selection and nutritional interventions to enhance feed efficiency and sustainability in pig production.

Impact of Lactobacillus- and Bifidobacterium-Based Direct-Fed Microbials on the Performance, Intestinal Morphology, and Fecal Bacterial Populations of Nursery Pigs

Weaning is a critical stage in the swine production cycle, as young pigs need to adjust to sudden and dramatic changes in their diet and environment. Among the various organ systems affected, the gastrointestinal tract is one of the more severely impacted during this transition. Traditionally, challenges at weaning have been managed by prophylactic use of antibiotics, which not only provides protection against diarrhea and other gut dysfunction but also has growth-promoting effects. With banning or major restrictions on the use of antibiotics for this purpose, various alternative products have been developed as potential replacements, including direct-fed microbials (DFMs) such as probiotics and postbiotics. As their efficiency needs to be improved, a continued effort to gain a deeper understanding of their mechanism of action is necessary. In this context, this report presents a study on the impact of a Lactobacillus-based probiotic (LPr) and a Bifidobacterium-based postbiotic (BPo) when added to the diet during the nursery phase. For animal performance, an effect was observed in the early stages (Day 0 to Day 10), as pigs fed diets supplemented with either DFMs were found to have higher average daily feed intake (ADFI) compared to pigs fed the control diet (p < 0.05). Histological analysis of intestinal morphology on D10 revealed that the ileum of supplemented pigs had a higher villus height/crypt depth ratio (p < 0.05) compared to controls, indicating a benefit of the DFMs for gut health. In an effort to further explore potential mechanisms of action, the effects of the DFMs on gut microbial composition were investigated using fecal microbial communities as a non-invasive representative approach. At the bacterial family level, Lactobacillaceae were found in higher abundance in pigs fed either LPr (D10; p < 0.05) or BPo (D47; p < 0.05). At the Operational Taxonomic Unit (OTU) level, which can be used as a proxy to assess species composition, Ssd-00950 and Ssd-01187 were found in higher abundance in DFM-supplemented pigs on D47 (p < 0.05). Using nucleotide sequence identity, these OTUs were predicted to be putative strains of Congobacterium massiliense and Absicoccus porci, respectively. In contrast, OTU Ssd-00039, which was predicted to be a strain of Streptococcus alactolyticus, was in lower abundance in BPo-supplemented pigs on D47 (p < 0.05). Together, these results indicate that the DFMs tested in this study can impact various aspects of gut function.

Proteome and Peptidome Changes and Zn Concentration in Chicken after In Ovo Stimulation with a Multi-Strain Probiotic and Zn-Gly Chelate: Preliminary Research

The aim of the study was to determine differences in the proteome and peptidome and zinc concentrations in the serum and tissues of chickens supplemented with a multi-strain probiotic and/or zinc glycine chelate in ovo. A total of 1400 fertilized broiler eggs (Ross × Ross 708) were divided into four groups: a control and experimental groups injected with a multi-strain probiotic, with zinc glycine chelate, and with the multi-strain probiotic and zinc glycine chelate. The proteome and peptidome were analyzed using SDS-PAGE and MALDI-TOF MS, and the zinc concentration was determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. We showed that in ovo supplementation with zinc glycine chelate increased the Zn concentration in the serum and yolk sac at 12 h post-hatch. The results of SDS-PAGE and western blot confirmed the presence of Cu/Zn SOD in the liver and in the small and large intestines at 12 h and at 7 days after hatching in all groups. Analysis of the MALDI-TOF MS spectra of chicken tissues showed in all experimental groups the expression of proteins and peptides that regulate immune response, metabolic processes, growth, development, and reproduction.

Effects of probiotic supplements on growth performance and intestinal microbiota of partridge shank broiler chicks

Background

The benefits of probiotics being used in animals are well-documented via evidenced growth performance improvement and positive modulations of gut microbiota (GM). Thus, a combination of effective microorganisms (EM) has been frequently used in animal production, including broilers. However, there are only very limited reports of EM on the growth performance and the modulation in GM of partridge shank broiler chicks.

Methods

We attempted to evaluate the effects of a basal diet with the addition of an EM mixture on the growth performance and gut microbiome of the chicks. A total of 100 ten-day-old female partridge shank broiler chicks were randomly divided into two groups of 50 chicks each, of which, one group fed with EM supplementation in the basal diet (designated as EM-treated group), the other group just fed with a basal diet (referred as to non-EM treated group or control group). The body weight, daily feed intake, daily gain, feed conversion ratio and other growth parameters were observed and compared between EM-treated and non-EM-treated chicks, and the gut microbiota was profiled by 16S rRNA-based next generation sequencing (NGS).

Results

EM-treated chicks showed significantly increased performances in body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG) and reduced feed conversion ratio (FCR). Histological observation indicated that dietary supplementation of EM significantly increased the villus heights (VH) and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth (VH/CD), while decreased the CD of jejunum, ilea, and ceca. The results of 16S rRNA-based gut microbiota analyses showed that Firmicutes accounted for the most of the relative abundance (63.24%∼92.63%), followed by Proteobacteria (0.62%∼23.94%), Bacteroidetes (0.80%∼7.85%), Actinobacteria (0.06%∼13.69%) and others in both EM-treated and non-EM-treated broiler chicks. The addition of EM could not alter the alpha diversity of gut microbiota. Compared with the non-EM-treated chicks, the abundances of bad bacteria in the phyla of Firmicutes, Euryarchaeota, and Ruminococcus were dramatically decreased in that of EM-treated chicks, while the abundances of good bacteria in the phyla of Actinobacteria and WPS-2 were significantly increased.

Conclusions

The supplementation of EM in feed could improve the growth performance and positively influence the morphological characteristics of the intestine, and ameliorate the community and structure of the intestinal microbiota of partridge shank broiler chicks.

Carcass and Pork Quality and Gut Environment of Pigs Fed a Diet Supplemented with the Bokashi Probiotic

Simple Summary

The use of an EM^®Bokashi probiotic preparation containing specific Lactobacillus and yeasts strains as a feed additive resulted in the improved slaughter value, content of macroelements (Mg, Ca, Na) and chromatic color traits (b*, C*) of meat, but diminished the technological quality (pH, drip loss, TY, shear force) of pork. It additionally resulted in a significant increase in lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeast counts and a decrease in the population numbers of Clostridium and Enterobacteriaceae in gut microbiota.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of probiotics on gut microbiota, on carcass and meat quality and on mineral contents in the longissimus lumborum (LL) muscle in pigs. The research was carried out with 120 hybrid pigs deriving from Naïma sows and P-76 boars. Pigs from the experimental group received the EM^®Bokashi probiotic (Greendland Technologia EM®, Janowiec n/Wisłą, Poland) in their feed (containing Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus plantarum). The study showed that EM^®Bokashi probiotic supplementation resulted in a significantly higher count of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeasts in the feed, a lower number of Clostridium in the mucosa and colorectal digesta as well as a lower Enterobacteriaceae count in the colorectal digesta. The research showed that carcasses of the pigs who received the EM^®Bokashi probiotic had a higher lean percentage and lower fat content than the carcasses of the control fatteners. Diet supplementation with the EM^®Bokashi probiotic resulted in a lower pH and technological yield (TY) and a higher drip loss and shear force at a lower protein content in LL muscle. Moreover, the administration of the probiotic to fatteners resulted in higher yellowness (b*) and saturation (C*) and higher concentrations of Na, Mg and Se in meat.

Effective Microorganisms (EM) Improve Internal Organ Morphology, Intestinal Morphometry and Serum Biochemical Activity in Japanese Quails under Clostridium perfringens Challenge

The effect of effective microorganisms (EM) on internal organ morphology, intestinal morphometry, and serum biochemical activity in Japanese quails under Clostridium perfringens challenge was determined. After 30 days of EM addition, one group of quails was orally inoculated with Clostridium perfringens. The second group did not receive EM and was inoculated with C. perfringens. In the gut, EM supplementation reduced the number of lesions, enhanced gut health, and protected the mucosa from pathogenic bacteria. EM showed an anti-inflammatory effect and fewer necrotic lesions in villi. In the internal organs, EM showed a protective effect against a typical lesion of C. perfringens infection. Necrosis and degeneration of the hepatocytes, necrosis of bile ducts, and bile duct proliferation were more severe in the infected group without EM. Morphometric evaluation showed significantly higher villi in the jejunum after EM addition. A greater crypt depth was observed in the C. perfringens group. Biochemical analysis of the blood indicated lower cholesterol on the 12th day of the experiment and between-group differences in total protein, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and albumin levels in the EM group. Further studies are needed to improve EM activity against pathologic bacteria as a potential alternative to antibiotics and to develop future natural production systems.

Effects of Effective Microorganisms on Meat Quality, Microstructure of the Longissimus Lumborum Muscle, and Electrophoretic Protein Separation in Pigs Fed on Different Diets

Simple Summary

Pork is the most popular meat among consumers in Poland, but it can also be a source of pathogens. Therefore, there is a need to find effective prophylaxis in order to ensure that consumers have access to safe food with the desired nutritional qualities and, above all, food that is free of pathogens. In order to meet these expectations, producers use probiotics containing effective microorganisms (EMs) offered in the market. In this study the same probiotic, EM Bokashi, was used for the first time in combination with three nutritional variants with proteins of different origin.

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine how effective microorganisms influence meat quality, the microstructure of the longissimus lumborum muscle, and electrophoretic protein separation. The study group consisted of 150 piglets divided into three feeding groups: C, E1, and E2. The feeding groups included C—a standard fodder blend with a full share of post-extracted soya meal; E1—a 50%/50% mix of pea and lupine/soya bean in phase I of fattening and a 75%/25% mix of pea and lupine/soya bean in phase II of fattening; and E2—a 50%/50% mix of pea and lupine/soya bean in phase I of fattening and in 100% pea and lupine in phase II of fattening. The experimental factor was the addition of the EM Carbon Bokashi probiotic to the diet (C + EM, E1 + EM, E2 + EM). Influence of the feeding system on the following parameters was also estimated. After slaughter, the meat quality, LL muscle microstructure, and electrophoretic protein separation were assessed. In the C + EM group, a lower water-holding capacity was demonstrated. Meat from pigs fed the effective microorganism additive was much harder in the E1+EM group compared to meat from pigs from the E1 group. A beneficial effect of effective microorganism was found in the E2 + EM group, where less thermal leakage from the meat was demonstrated. A beneficial effect of the feeding system on thermal leakage and loin eye area in the E2 + EM group was demonstrated. In the C + EM group, a lower total number of muscle fibers was demonstrated. The addition of effective microorganism caused an increase in the diameter of fast twitch fibers in the E1 + EM group. In the same group of pigs, effective microorganisms caused a lower proportion of fiber fission. This nutritional variant appears to be the most appropriate for proteins as well, because it led to the most favorable percentage of individual proteins after effective microorganisms supplementation in the longissimus lumborum muscle.